County of Simcoe officials report that nine of the 12 individuals experiencing homelessness in Barrie’s 2.2-acre Berczy Park have secured permanent housing.
In mid-2024, Berczy Park was predominantly filled with tents, fire pits, and personal belongings.
On May 14, Mayor Alex Nuttall and council members received a presentation from County officials titled “Finding New Opportunities: Restoring Public Safety Through Increased Access to Shelter, Housing and Health Supports.”
During the presentation, Andrew Scavarelli, Director of Housing and Homelessness Services for the County of Simcoe, stated that the 12 individuals living in Berczy Park would benefit more from alternative housing options than from emergency shelter spaces.
“We have permanently housed nine of those 12 – 75 per cent of those individuals we permanently housed, ” Scavarelli said.
Scavarelli noted that emergency shelters may not meet everyone’s needs, citing factors such as accessibility challenges and individual health concerns.
Nuttall told Compass News he welcomed the announcement and is optimistic that more people experiencing homelessness will be able to access housing.
“It’s huge news. The fact that the County of Simcoe led the way on this and ensured that 75 per cent of those individuals are now in permanent housing is far more than I could have imagined,” he said.
“As we look ahead, we need to replicate that success in other areas of Barrie that need attention. Not only will we help more people find housing, but we’ll also clean up the city in the process.”
Following the presentation, Coun. Jim Harris said the outcomes of the Berczy Park initiative represent a significant step forward in addressing homelessness in Barrie.
“This is a great initiative with the success of supporting the folks who were at Berczy Park. People don’t aspire to live in parks, that’s not where they aspire to be,” he said.
Officials have noted that around 12 homeless encampments are within the city and housing more than 100 people.
